Top 5 Events

By 435 Magazine

The NutcrackerDec. 7-24
The holiday season would not be complete without Todd Bolender’s “The Nutcracker,” performed by the Kansas City Ballet and accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s wondrous music. The Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts is the perfect venue to take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the holiday’s most celebrated dance performance with the finest acoustics, elaborate sets and dazzling costumes. It’s a spellbinding performance that captures all the magic of Christmas. Ticket information online at kcballet.org.Photo: Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

Disney’s Beauty and the BeastDec. 10-15
The tale is as old as time and true as can be. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the smash hit Broadway musical based on the Academy Award-winning feature film, is an eye-popping spectacle that has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. The classic love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. You must experience first-hand the romance and enchantment of this performance.For tickets and show times, visit theaterleague.com.Photo: Joan Marcus

EVE at the Kauffman CenterDec. 31
Experience the Kauffman Center like never before when you celebrate New Year’s Eve in iconic style with several areas of entertainment under one roof. The inaugural event will feature hosts Victor and Penny, the upbeat band Vintage Trouble, national music mixologist DJ Earworm, and the sensory experience of Kansas City’s own Quixotic. From 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, partygoers will have the opportunity to enjoy events and performances throughout the entire building, including a seated dinner on the Helzberg Hall stage, access to the Club Mezzanine, the Dave Stephens Band, and a signature midnight ball drop and champagne toast. Three ticket packages are available.For event details visit evekc.com.

Christmas at ResurrectionDec. 11-15
Leawood-based Church of the Resurrection is the largest Methodist church in the country. Every year a growing number of visitors attend what has become one of Kansas City’s most important musical holiday traditions. The must-see presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists in celebration of Christmas and the depiction of the traditional Christmas story. Make plans to attend this moving performance. Visit cor.org for tickets.

Kansas City Symphony Presents the Texas Tenors – Deep in the Heart of ChristmasDec. 13
More than 100 million people from around the world tuned in to NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” in 2009 to see the Texas Tenors become the highest-ranking vocal group in the history of the show. The group of tenors — John Hagen, Marcus Collins and JC Fisher — join the Kansas City Symphony to bring a unique blend of country, gospel, classical and Broadway to the Kauffman Center’s Helzberg Hall stage for a memorable holiday performance.
The Texas Tenors deliver a positive message of following your dreams combined with a distinct touch of country humor and charm.
The concert benefits the Mission Project, a local group helping young adults with developmental disabilities to live and work safely in the community with minimal support, and First Downs for Down Syndrome, a partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive linemen that raises money for the Kansas City Down Syndrome community.Learn more details at kauffmancenter.org.Photo: thetexastenors.com